Identification of lthB, a Gene Encoding a Putative Glycosyltransferase Family 8 Protein Required for Leptothrix Sheath Formation.

ABSTRACT: The bacterium Leptothrix cholodnii generates cell chains encased in sheaths that are composed of woven nanofibrils. The nanofibrils are mainly composed of glycoconjugate repeats, and several glycosyltransferases (GTs) are required for its biosynthesis. However, only one GT (LthA) has been identified to date. In this study, we screened spontaneous variants of L. cholodnii SP6 to find those that form smooth colonies, which is one of the characteristics of sheathless variants. Genomic DNA sequencing of an isolated variant revealed an insertion in the locus Lcho_0972, which encodes a putative GT family 8 protein. We thus designated this protein LthB and characterized it using deletion mutants and antibodies. LthB localized adjacent to the cell envelope. ΔlthB cell chains w

SUBMITTER: Kunoh T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10132092 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature